EDM 477: Has your MP signed it yet?
Starmail - 20. Jul, 11:43
Tetra Masts News from Mast Network
20
Jul
2005
Microwave irradiation of the public by stealth
Alasdair Philips (Powerwatch) says:
Re: the Microconnect news story.
I don't know who (? Liverpool Council?) said: "It said the transmitters emit between 1,000 and one million times less radiation than a mobile phone." But it is a load of crap.
It is EXTREMELY difficult to find any technical details about BT's Microconnect system. However I tracked this down after they installed some in Chester earlier this year:
The MDA transmitters apparently start at 2 W and run up to 7W fully servicing several Operators.
A mobile phone, 900MHz band, puts out 2W/8 = 0.25W max and typically operates a hundred times lower than this. Say 0.007W A mobile phone, 1800MHz band, runs at half this power (0.0125W) but usually has to operate higher because the signals attenuate more easily. So, again, let's say 0.007W typically.
So we have the MDA base station starting at 8 times MORE powerful than a mobile phone (or 28 times if operating at 7W), to 1000 times MORE powerful that a typical phone call. Also, their antenna gain is at least 5 times, so for EIRP multiply the figures by another 5. It would be good to find out where all that 1000 to 1,000,000 times less radiation than a mobile phone crap came from. Poor show from the BBC News reporting such rubbish figures without checking. I won't be at the meeting on Tuesday because the AP Group chose a day that is a Plenary meeting of the Govt SAGE Group on controlling low-frequency EMF exposure for members of the general public. Many key EMF/health people, including me, will be at the SAGE meeting instead.
It is a shame, but the date for the plenary SAGE meeting was set over six moths ago and so nothing could be done about it now. It is a pity that the AP group didn't check with the Dept Health as George Hooker and Hilary Walker, the two top DH EMF people, are both on SAGE and will be at the SAGE meeting. They are also the two key people at the DH responsible for advice on microwave irradiation of the public and so would have been the obvious people for the AP group to contact.
It seems the Tuesday meeting is mainly for MPs and the general public
This Liverpool council and the BBC News disinformation needs to be made public. It would be great if you can make a fuss about it on Tuesday. It is irradiation by stealth. The trouble is, 7W, with some gain in the MDA antenna, can result in stronger signals in nearby bedrooms that a large rooftop mast would give. And there will be 1000s more for any given area just to get the required coverage.
Andy
Tuesday, July 19, 2005 10:59 PM
Subject: Re: [Mast Network] This is getting the big sell!
Does anyone know if there is any information on these 'boosters'? Any studies? If anyone knows a website link, please let me know. These have been mentioned quite a lot in Bromley recently but we need to know more. Many thanks.
Angie Shields (ORAM)
----- Original Message -----
Saturday, July 16, 2005 8:29 AM Subject:
[Mast Network] This is getting the big sell!
Source: Liverpool City Council Published Friday, 15 July, 2005 - 11:27
A pioneering new project by Liverpool City Council is ringing the changes - and it's set to eradicate the need for large mobile phone masts.
Proposals are being developed to install tiny, hi-tech mobile phone antennae throughout Liverpool. The 15cm structures will sit on existing street furniture, such as lamp posts, CCTV cameras and road signs.
The new antennae are far less unsightly than large mobile phone masts, and are environmentally friendly. Each mini-antenna, which has the capacity to be used by several mobile phone companies at the same time, emits between 1,000 and a million times less radiation than a mobile phone.
The council's Executive Member for Customer and Corporate Services, Councillor Dave Antrobus, said: "This is a groundbreaking solution to the increasing number of mobile phone masts in Liverpool. Unlike current masts, which are obtrusive and unsightly, these antennae are small, compact and discreet.
"Many people have concerns over the health and safety issues surrounding mobile phone masts, and this project will help tackle this, by providing more environmentally-friendly alternatives which emit a tiny fraction of the radiation of large masts.
"And with up to five mobile operators sharing a single antenna, we are hoping there will be a significant reduction in applications for individual phone masts. Ultimately, this hi-tech project could lead to many existing masts becoming redundant, and some being removed altogether. It's a great idea."
The number of mobile phone users in the UK has grown from five million in 1995, to 55 million by 2004. As a result, there has been a huge increase in demand for mobile phone masts.
The influx of new masts throughout the UK is often unpopular with residents. Members of the public regularly object to new masts being erected in their neighbourhood on possible health and safety grounds.
The new project would solve the problems involved in erecting large mobile phone masts in communities, offering a forward-thinking, environmentally-friendly alternative.
Chair of the council's planning committee, Councillor Lady Doreen Jones, said: "Applications for mobile phone masts cause more difficulty than most other types of planning applications. There are often objections from residents, but there are very limited grounds on which the council can judge these applications
"Government guidance means our decisions must be based purely on visual amenity and design, and not on grounds of possible health and safety implications, which means applications for new masts can cause great controversy in communities.
"Hopefully, this new project will provide us with a solution to these problems, and help reduce conflict with local residents."
The city council is working with BT on the 'microconnect distributed antennas' project.
The proposals will go before the city council's executive board for approval on Friday 22 July 2005.
Ends
For further information, please contact Damian Richards-Clarke on 0151 225 2464 or 07736 216434
Re: the Microconnect news story.
I don't know who (? Liverpool Council?) said: "It said the transmitters emit between 1,000 and one million times less radiation than a mobile phone." But it is a load of crap.
It is EXTREMELY difficult to find any technical details about BT's Microconnect system. However I tracked this down after they installed some in Chester earlier this year:
The MDA transmitters apparently start at 2 W and run up to 7W fully servicing several Operators.
A mobile phone, 900MHz band, puts out 2W/8 = 0.25W max and typically operates a hundred times lower than this. Say 0.007W A mobile phone, 1800MHz band, runs at half this power (0.0125W) but usually has to operate higher because the signals attenuate more easily. So, again, let's say 0.007W typically.
So we have the MDA base station starting at 8 times MORE powerful than a mobile phone (or 28 times if operating at 7W), to 1000 times MORE powerful that a typical phone call. Also, their antenna gain is at least 5 times, so for EIRP multiply the figures by another 5. It would be good to find out where all that 1000 to 1,000,000 times less radiation than a mobile phone crap came from. Poor show from the BBC News reporting such rubbish figures without checking. I won't be at the meeting on Tuesday because the AP Group chose a day that is a Plenary meeting of the Govt SAGE Group on controlling low-frequency EMF exposure for members of the general public. Many key EMF/health people, including me, will be at the SAGE meeting instead.
It is a shame, but the date for the plenary SAGE meeting was set over six moths ago and so nothing could be done about it now. It is a pity that the AP group didn't check with the Dept Health as George Hooker and Hilary Walker, the two top DH EMF people, are both on SAGE and will be at the SAGE meeting. They are also the two key people at the DH responsible for advice on microwave irradiation of the public and so would have been the obvious people for the AP group to contact.
It seems the Tuesday meeting is mainly for MPs and the general public
This Liverpool council and the BBC News disinformation needs to be made public. It would be great if you can make a fuss about it on Tuesday. It is irradiation by stealth. The trouble is, 7W, with some gain in the MDA antenna, can result in stronger signals in nearby bedrooms that a large rooftop mast would give. And there will be 1000s more for any given area just to get the required coverage.
Andy
Tuesday, July 19, 2005 10:59 PM
Subject: Re: [Mast Network] This is getting the big sell!
Does anyone know if there is any information on these 'boosters'? Any studies? If anyone knows a website link, please let me know. These have been mentioned quite a lot in Bromley recently but we need to know more. Many thanks.
Angie Shields (ORAM)
----- Original Message -----
Saturday, July 16, 2005 8:29 AM Subject:
[Mast Network] This is getting the big sell!
Source: Liverpool City Council Published Friday, 15 July, 2005 - 11:27
A pioneering new project by Liverpool City Council is ringing the changes - and it's set to eradicate the need for large mobile phone masts.
Proposals are being developed to install tiny, hi-tech mobile phone antennae throughout Liverpool. The 15cm structures will sit on existing street furniture, such as lamp posts, CCTV cameras and road signs.
The new antennae are far less unsightly than large mobile phone masts, and are environmentally friendly. Each mini-antenna, which has the capacity to be used by several mobile phone companies at the same time, emits between 1,000 and a million times less radiation than a mobile phone.
The council's Executive Member for Customer and Corporate Services, Councillor Dave Antrobus, said: "This is a groundbreaking solution to the increasing number of mobile phone masts in Liverpool. Unlike current masts, which are obtrusive and unsightly, these antennae are small, compact and discreet.
"Many people have concerns over the health and safety issues surrounding mobile phone masts, and this project will help tackle this, by providing more environmentally-friendly alternatives which emit a tiny fraction of the radiation of large masts.
"And with up to five mobile operators sharing a single antenna, we are hoping there will be a significant reduction in applications for individual phone masts. Ultimately, this hi-tech project could lead to many existing masts becoming redundant, and some being removed altogether. It's a great idea."
The number of mobile phone users in the UK has grown from five million in 1995, to 55 million by 2004. As a result, there has been a huge increase in demand for mobile phone masts.
The influx of new masts throughout the UK is often unpopular with residents. Members of the public regularly object to new masts being erected in their neighbourhood on possible health and safety grounds.
The new project would solve the problems involved in erecting large mobile phone masts in communities, offering a forward-thinking, environmentally-friendly alternative.
Chair of the council's planning committee, Councillor Lady Doreen Jones, said: "Applications for mobile phone masts cause more difficulty than most other types of planning applications. There are often objections from residents, but there are very limited grounds on which the council can judge these applications
"Government guidance means our decisions must be based purely on visual amenity and design, and not on grounds of possible health and safety implications, which means applications for new masts can cause great controversy in communities.
"Hopefully, this new project will provide us with a solution to these problems, and help reduce conflict with local residents."
The city council is working with BT on the 'microconnect distributed antennas' project.
The proposals will go before the city council's executive board for approval on Friday 22 July 2005.
Ends
For further information, please contact Damian Richards-Clarke on 0151 225 2464 or 07736 216434
Starmail - 20. Jul, 11:25
18
Jul
2005
FIFTH PHONE MAST VIGIL
From Karen - If you can visit the vigil we'll be glad to see you. If you can't, please send a message of support. Directions for anyone who can make it. (see below)
Today's press release 18 July 2005
FIFTH PHONE MAST VIGIL
After four and a half years of resistance, the first phase of the Byron Avenue phone mast battle ended last Wednesday when the 11.79 metre monopole was erected. The second phase of the campaign - to get the mast removed, begins this Wednesday when campaigner Karen Barratt holds her fifth twenty-four hour vigil on the site. She is asking everyone, who wishes to see Orange withdraw from Byron Avenue, to visit her anytime from noon on Wednesday 20 July to noon on Thursday 21 July and sign a message to the company’s Chief Executive.
Campaigners are proud that they have enabled so many children to complete their time at Western Primary School in a safe and secure environment but are worried about those who are still there. “My grandson attends the school and my little grand-daughter starts in September,” says Karen Barratt. “The Planning Inspector who gave Orange permission for this mast accepted that the beam of greatest intensity falls across the school. We have to continue this fight.” She is urging new parents to get involved in the campaign and says that moving children to other schools is no solution because the number of masts required for third generation phones means other schools are under similar threat.
END
How to get to Byron Avenue from the M3:
Leave at Junction 11.
Follow the signs A3090 Romsey until second roundabout.
Turn RIGHT and follow signs to Winchester.
After two sets of lights, approach roundabout marked ‘All routes’.
Turn LEFT into Chilbolton Avenue and immediately RIGHT into Sarum Road.
First LEFT into Greenhill Road. Next LEFT into Milverton Road and almost immediately LEFT again into Poets Way (leading to Byron Avenue).
Alternatively, Google: ‘street maps SO22 5AT’.
Today's press release 18 July 2005
FIFTH PHONE MAST VIGIL
After four and a half years of resistance, the first phase of the Byron Avenue phone mast battle ended last Wednesday when the 11.79 metre monopole was erected. The second phase of the campaign - to get the mast removed, begins this Wednesday when campaigner Karen Barratt holds her fifth twenty-four hour vigil on the site. She is asking everyone, who wishes to see Orange withdraw from Byron Avenue, to visit her anytime from noon on Wednesday 20 July to noon on Thursday 21 July and sign a message to the company’s Chief Executive.
Campaigners are proud that they have enabled so many children to complete their time at Western Primary School in a safe and secure environment but are worried about those who are still there. “My grandson attends the school and my little grand-daughter starts in September,” says Karen Barratt. “The Planning Inspector who gave Orange permission for this mast accepted that the beam of greatest intensity falls across the school. We have to continue this fight.” She is urging new parents to get involved in the campaign and says that moving children to other schools is no solution because the number of masts required for third generation phones means other schools are under similar threat.
END
How to get to Byron Avenue from the M3:
Leave at Junction 11.
Follow the signs A3090 Romsey until second roundabout.
Turn RIGHT and follow signs to Winchester.
After two sets of lights, approach roundabout marked ‘All routes’.
Turn LEFT into Chilbolton Avenue and immediately RIGHT into Sarum Road.
First LEFT into Greenhill Road. Next LEFT into Milverton Road and almost immediately LEFT again into Poets Way (leading to Byron Avenue).
Alternatively, Google: ‘street maps SO22 5AT’.
Starmail - 18. Jul, 22:16
George Young's letter
I now have permission from Sir George Young MP (Con) to publish this reply to my recent letter to him. He has also given permission for it to be used in any other way or context that will be helpful to the cause. Another MP now fully behind us!! (Unable to scan so this is an accurate, typed copy.) Cheers. Jenny
Dear Mrs Godschall Johnson,
Thank you for your email dated July 2nd concerning mobile phone masts and energy efficiency.
I am extremely concerned about telecommunications masts and the planning system. A greater number of masts have been constructed than was originally anticipated. These masts pose a far more serious threat to the environment now than when planning policy concerning telecommunications was first drafted to kick start the industry 20 years ago. The Government is not doing nearly enough to deal with genuine environmental and health concerns, despite the recommendation of caution from an independent panel of scientists, nor to allow local authorities to deal with the concerns of local people. Furthermore, the Government is not reacting quickly enough to the expansiveness and mast erecting fever of some of the mobile communications companies.
I believe that there is a fundamental need for a change to the way the planning system is configured to deal with the erection of new mobile phone masts. It is imperative that a greater say over the siting of masts is returned to local communities through democratically elected local government. Additionally, I am convinced that health concerns should be allowed to be considered where masts are to be put up near schools, hospitals or residential areas.
The points that you raise on energy efficiency are both interesting and important, and further add to the increasing evidence of environmental damage that is caused by mobile phone masts being erected. I will ensure that my colleague the Shadow Secretary of State for Local Government and Communities, Caroline Spelman MP, is aware of the figures that you raise on the energy consumption of 3G masts. I feel sure that she will be raising these issues with the Government and challenging them on how they intend to take action.
Best wishes
Yours sincerely
Sir George Young MP
Dear Mrs Godschall Johnson,
Thank you for your email dated July 2nd concerning mobile phone masts and energy efficiency.
I am extremely concerned about telecommunications masts and the planning system. A greater number of masts have been constructed than was originally anticipated. These masts pose a far more serious threat to the environment now than when planning policy concerning telecommunications was first drafted to kick start the industry 20 years ago. The Government is not doing nearly enough to deal with genuine environmental and health concerns, despite the recommendation of caution from an independent panel of scientists, nor to allow local authorities to deal with the concerns of local people. Furthermore, the Government is not reacting quickly enough to the expansiveness and mast erecting fever of some of the mobile communications companies.
I believe that there is a fundamental need for a change to the way the planning system is configured to deal with the erection of new mobile phone masts. It is imperative that a greater say over the siting of masts is returned to local communities through democratically elected local government. Additionally, I am convinced that health concerns should be allowed to be considered where masts are to be put up near schools, hospitals or residential areas.
The points that you raise on energy efficiency are both interesting and important, and further add to the increasing evidence of environmental damage that is caused by mobile phone masts being erected. I will ensure that my colleague the Shadow Secretary of State for Local Government and Communities, Caroline Spelman MP, is aware of the figures that you raise on the energy consumption of 3G masts. I feel sure that she will be raising these issues with the Government and challenging them on how they intend to take action.
Best wishes
Yours sincerely
Sir George Young MP
Starmail - 18. Jul, 16:00
17
Jul
2005
Phone mast protest stops traffic
by Dominic Yeatman
Wanstead and Wooford Guardian
CONCERNED protestors who are fighting plans for a mobile phone mast in Wanstead, took to the streets in their campaign to have it stopped.
More than 100 parents and residents gathered at the site in Aldersbrook Road, stopping traffic in the evening rush hour on Wednesday, July 6, to draw attention to their cause.
Phone company T-mobile recently won the final appeal in a long legal struggle to have the 10.5-metre mast erected opposite the Aldersbrook Bowls Club, but the location is 200 meters from Aldersbrook Primary School and residents have pledged to continue their fight against the mast.
Campaign organiser Elizabeth Canavan said: "The drivers were for the main part really supportive and were beeping in support.
"It didn't cause havoc but it was a symbolic raising of the banner. We didn't advertise widely for this, mainly at the school, but there's quite a lot of anxiety over this around the whole area."
Construction of the mast started recently but was brought to a halt when Mrs Canavan ran to the site and sat in the hole that had been dug.
Now residents are keeping a close watch for any further work and have promised to prevent any more taking place.
Mrs Canavan said: "We're thinking of picketing local T-Mobile shops. They have won permission for a mast in Centre Road so why can't they use that?"
T-shirts were printed and post cards attached to black balloons were released, one of which reached Belgium before being sent back with a message of support.
After an hour police brought the protest to a halt. There were no arrests.
dyeatman@london.newsquest.co.uk
11:00am today 17.07.05
Wanstead and Wooford Guardian
CONCERNED protestors who are fighting plans for a mobile phone mast in Wanstead, took to the streets in their campaign to have it stopped.
More than 100 parents and residents gathered at the site in Aldersbrook Road, stopping traffic in the evening rush hour on Wednesday, July 6, to draw attention to their cause.
Phone company T-mobile recently won the final appeal in a long legal struggle to have the 10.5-metre mast erected opposite the Aldersbrook Bowls Club, but the location is 200 meters from Aldersbrook Primary School and residents have pledged to continue their fight against the mast.
Campaign organiser Elizabeth Canavan said: "The drivers were for the main part really supportive and were beeping in support.
"It didn't cause havoc but it was a symbolic raising of the banner. We didn't advertise widely for this, mainly at the school, but there's quite a lot of anxiety over this around the whole area."
Construction of the mast started recently but was brought to a halt when Mrs Canavan ran to the site and sat in the hole that had been dug.
Now residents are keeping a close watch for any further work and have promised to prevent any more taking place.
Mrs Canavan said: "We're thinking of picketing local T-Mobile shops. They have won permission for a mast in Centre Road so why can't they use that?"
T-shirts were printed and post cards attached to black balloons were released, one of which reached Belgium before being sent back with a message of support.
After an hour police brought the protest to a halt. There were no arrests.
dyeatman@london.newsquest.co.uk
11:00am today 17.07.05
Starmail - 17. Jul, 19:55
U.K. Volunteers needed for phone mast study
http://www.emfacts.com/weblog/index.php?p=147
-------
More to the point, they seem to be having problems recruiting enough EHS volunteers.
Andy
--------
Are you surprised, Andy, when people realise it will not prove much that will help them?
Sandi
--------
No, not really. And for anyone really EHS it is a difficult decision to make; this length of exposure can set someone back for weeks in the worst cases.
Trouble is, if all the studies never see the clearest cases, the results are ambiguous, and the clarity of EHS remains too anecdotal.
Researchers need to start by suspending disbelief, taking reports of EHS on trust and begin finding what EHS people have in common, at home, in their medical history and in their biological response.
Andy
-------
More to the point, they seem to be having problems recruiting enough EHS volunteers.
Andy
--------
Are you surprised, Andy, when people realise it will not prove much that will help them?
Sandi
--------
No, not really. And for anyone really EHS it is a difficult decision to make; this length of exposure can set someone back for weeks in the worst cases.
Trouble is, if all the studies never see the clearest cases, the results are ambiguous, and the clarity of EHS remains too anecdotal.
Researchers need to start by suspending disbelief, taking reports of EHS on trust and begin finding what EHS people have in common, at home, in their medical history and in their biological response.
Andy
Starmail - 17. Jul, 08:29
16
Jul
2005
Letter on 3G & Global Warming
From Jenny - here's my letter to the Andover Advertiser our local paper. With huge thanks to Andy for all the facts and figures!
As global warming is at the top of the world political agenda, it is disturbing to learn how much hypocrisy exists within the Government, where saving our planet is concerned. The Government / Telecom Alliance is deliberately hiding the environmental dangers of the latest 3G mobile phone technology. The £23 billions paid in licence fees and the further billions in revenue, pay for a lot of sins and a lot of cover ups. Human life and fragile resources are worth little by comparison.
Industry sources say that 3G will place a significant additional burden on the national electricity supply. Running 24 hours a day all year round, the huge energy and climate burden of this technology is being ignored. Furthermore, Industry calculations are that the whole system requires 2.4 times the non-renewable energy per customer than the existing 2G network. More 3G masts are needed as their coverage is less than 2G. The Government’s requirement of 80% coverage of 3G throughout the country, means that tens of thousands more masts will be necessary for each of the five operators. That’s a mast coming near you shortly! The numbers speak for themselves, even taking into account mast sharing. The Telecommunications Industry, however powerful, cannot be allowed to be so profligate with precious, dwindling resources.
Mast Sanity believes a moratorium on 3G is urgently needed if we are to pull back from the environmental and health disaster that threatens us all.
Everyone is painfully aware of the controversy surrounding the latest round of the mast roll-out - the increasing numbers of people obliged to live near them, the increasing numbers who complain of adverse health effects, the devaluation of property, the absurd absence of any democracy in their siting, the irrelevance of safety guidelines and the misinformation on base-station research.
Now we have it reliably that the power requirements of 3G is a serious supply issue, especially so in the current “energy-crisis” context. It is appalling that efforts to combat global warming are being cancelled out by this money driven product promotion.
This Government must be challenged over its iniquitous Telecommunication planning guidance which is causing irreversible damage to our society and to the planet itself.
Sir George Young has joined MP’s across the UK, in recognizing that there is universal controversy on policies that take no consideration of the human and environmental impact. If we want to protect our children, our health and the value of our homes, we should all refuse to buy 3G phones – they are an anti-social luxury, not a necessity. Videoing Big Brother is NOT more important than people’s health or saving our planet.
Ends
As global warming is at the top of the world political agenda, it is disturbing to learn how much hypocrisy exists within the Government, where saving our planet is concerned. The Government / Telecom Alliance is deliberately hiding the environmental dangers of the latest 3G mobile phone technology. The £23 billions paid in licence fees and the further billions in revenue, pay for a lot of sins and a lot of cover ups. Human life and fragile resources are worth little by comparison.
Industry sources say that 3G will place a significant additional burden on the national electricity supply. Running 24 hours a day all year round, the huge energy and climate burden of this technology is being ignored. Furthermore, Industry calculations are that the whole system requires 2.4 times the non-renewable energy per customer than the existing 2G network. More 3G masts are needed as their coverage is less than 2G. The Government’s requirement of 80% coverage of 3G throughout the country, means that tens of thousands more masts will be necessary for each of the five operators. That’s a mast coming near you shortly! The numbers speak for themselves, even taking into account mast sharing. The Telecommunications Industry, however powerful, cannot be allowed to be so profligate with precious, dwindling resources.
Mast Sanity believes a moratorium on 3G is urgently needed if we are to pull back from the environmental and health disaster that threatens us all.
Everyone is painfully aware of the controversy surrounding the latest round of the mast roll-out - the increasing numbers of people obliged to live near them, the increasing numbers who complain of adverse health effects, the devaluation of property, the absurd absence of any democracy in their siting, the irrelevance of safety guidelines and the misinformation on base-station research.
Now we have it reliably that the power requirements of 3G is a serious supply issue, especially so in the current “energy-crisis” context. It is appalling that efforts to combat global warming are being cancelled out by this money driven product promotion.
This Government must be challenged over its iniquitous Telecommunication planning guidance which is causing irreversible damage to our society and to the planet itself.
Sir George Young has joined MP’s across the UK, in recognizing that there is universal controversy on policies that take no consideration of the human and environmental impact. If we want to protect our children, our health and the value of our homes, we should all refuse to buy 3G phones – they are an anti-social luxury, not a necessity. Videoing Big Brother is NOT more important than people’s health or saving our planet.
Ends
Starmail - 16. Jul, 17:19
RESIDENTS UNITED BY PHONE MAST PROTEST
EMILY RETTER
Sutton Coldfield Observer
10:30 - 15 July 2005
One hundred protesters linked arms and lined the streets on Saturday (July 9) as a symbol of solidarity against a mobile phone mast.
Erdington residents brought their children to the march against a controversial T Mobile mast, which is set to be erected on Court Lane, opposite a play area. "We wanted to do something to really make a point," said campaigner, Linda Jarvis.
"It hasn't been proven that masts don't have an effect on our health - what if in ten years time they find that they do?
Omega there is no need to wait ten years. See under:
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html
"We would have put our future generations at risk by not making a stand."
Twelve police officers attended the protest, helping residents block Court Lane in a bid to make their stand.
One even added his own name to the 800-strong petition.
Erdington MP Sion Simon, who is currently backing a new Parliamentary campaign to guarantee full public consultation on the siting of masts, is fully behind the residents.
"What a stupid thing to do," he said.
"We all use mobile phones and they have to put masts somewhere, but they don't have to put them opposite a children's play area.
"In the current climate people are so concerned about health risks, why suggest putting a mast there?
"Frankly, I'm just annoyed."
Mr Simon completely supports the residents' decision to march.
"I've been campaigning for years now to make sure the voice of local people is heard in the planning process.
"But at the end of the day people shouldn't have to be marching - companies shouldn't be making such stupid suggestions in the first place."
Elsewhere in Erdington, an application for a 11.6 metre-high Vodaphone mast has been given the go-ahead on Eachelhurst Road, on the pavement adjacent to Pype Hayes Park.
And a further application has been put forward for a ten-metre high mast in Chipstead Road.
Public consultation is welcome until August 12.
Sutton Coldfield Observer
10:30 - 15 July 2005
One hundred protesters linked arms and lined the streets on Saturday (July 9) as a symbol of solidarity against a mobile phone mast.
Erdington residents brought their children to the march against a controversial T Mobile mast, which is set to be erected on Court Lane, opposite a play area. "We wanted to do something to really make a point," said campaigner, Linda Jarvis.
"It hasn't been proven that masts don't have an effect on our health - what if in ten years time they find that they do?
Omega there is no need to wait ten years. See under:
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html
"We would have put our future generations at risk by not making a stand."
Twelve police officers attended the protest, helping residents block Court Lane in a bid to make their stand.
One even added his own name to the 800-strong petition.
Erdington MP Sion Simon, who is currently backing a new Parliamentary campaign to guarantee full public consultation on the siting of masts, is fully behind the residents.
"What a stupid thing to do," he said.
"We all use mobile phones and they have to put masts somewhere, but they don't have to put them opposite a children's play area.
"In the current climate people are so concerned about health risks, why suggest putting a mast there?
"Frankly, I'm just annoyed."
Mr Simon completely supports the residents' decision to march.
"I've been campaigning for years now to make sure the voice of local people is heard in the planning process.
"But at the end of the day people shouldn't have to be marching - companies shouldn't be making such stupid suggestions in the first place."
Elsewhere in Erdington, an application for a 11.6 metre-high Vodaphone mast has been given the go-ahead on Eachelhurst Road, on the pavement adjacent to Pype Hayes Park.
And a further application has been put forward for a ten-metre high mast in Chipstead Road.
Public consultation is welcome until August 12.
Starmail - 16. Jul, 12:38
Mast protest over controversial plan for pole position
KATIE EMSLIE
Edinburgh Evening News
A CAMPAIGN has been launched against controversial plans to site a mobile phone mast just metres away from a doctor's surgery and two care homes.
Mobile phone company T-Mobile is facing a raft of objections over its plans to site a 11.7-metre mast in Mountcastle Drive South, in Duddingston.
The mast, which would only be a short distance away from an existing one in Bingham Avenue, would stand near a GP's surgery, the Jewel House care home for the elderly and Calareidh, a respite home for sick children.
No fewer than 40 letters of objection to the proposals have been delivered to the council from furious residents.
These include a strongly worded letter from the councillor for Duddingston, Ian Berry, who also wrote to Marconi APR, the company acting as an agent for T-Mobile.
He said: "This mast is totally inappropriate for this area. It is far too near the doctor's surgery, and the sick kids' respite home is virtually underneath the proposed mast. Aside from health and safety issues, which are very serious, there is the aesthetic aspect. It is a huge pole plonked right in the middle of a high amenity area."
Councillor Berry said the new mast was also surplus to requirements.
"There is also a similar type of mast at the school in Bingham Avenue and I feel most strongly that this is more than enough for this area to cope with. I see no need for another mast in this area whatsoever." His concerns were backed by Tony Zawachkivsky, a private landlord who lives with his partner in Mountcastle Drive South.
The couple who already have two young sons, are expecting twins in September.
Mr Zawachkivsky, 39, said: "Our main concern is obviously the effect the mast might have on our children.
"We don't know what this will do to people living close by in the next 20 years or so."
However, Dr Alison McCallum, director of public health for NHS Lothian, said: "The current balance of evidence indicates that there is no general risk to the health of people living near base stations.
Omega is a general risk to the health of people living near base stations. See under: http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html
"We are very aware of the concerns people may have about these masts and we continue to monitor ongoing research into this topic to assess any potential implications for the health of the people of Lothian."
Mr Zawachkivsky said he feared the planning application would get the go-ahead despite the strength of the campaign to oppose it.
"I very much doubt it will be refused because the mast is lower than 15 metres. But we thought there was no harm in showing the strength of feeling.
"Perhaps it might make the mobile phone company think twice about it."
The campaigners' hopes of success have been boosted by a narrow victory won recently by protesters in Livingston over a similarly controversial phone mast.
Campaigners in the Dedridge community were ecstatic after local councillors voted by five votes to four to reject plans for a 45-feet tall Vodafone mast at a Territorial Army centre and close to a secondary school.
With the Duddingston group's letters of objection now formally lodged, the decision rests with the council's planning chiefs. A spokesman for T-Mobile UK said: "The planning application is the due process for determination of the proposal and the council will decide the outcome."
Edinburgh Evening News
A CAMPAIGN has been launched against controversial plans to site a mobile phone mast just metres away from a doctor's surgery and two care homes.
Mobile phone company T-Mobile is facing a raft of objections over its plans to site a 11.7-metre mast in Mountcastle Drive South, in Duddingston.
The mast, which would only be a short distance away from an existing one in Bingham Avenue, would stand near a GP's surgery, the Jewel House care home for the elderly and Calareidh, a respite home for sick children.
No fewer than 40 letters of objection to the proposals have been delivered to the council from furious residents.
These include a strongly worded letter from the councillor for Duddingston, Ian Berry, who also wrote to Marconi APR, the company acting as an agent for T-Mobile.
He said: "This mast is totally inappropriate for this area. It is far too near the doctor's surgery, and the sick kids' respite home is virtually underneath the proposed mast. Aside from health and safety issues, which are very serious, there is the aesthetic aspect. It is a huge pole plonked right in the middle of a high amenity area."
Councillor Berry said the new mast was also surplus to requirements.
"There is also a similar type of mast at the school in Bingham Avenue and I feel most strongly that this is more than enough for this area to cope with. I see no need for another mast in this area whatsoever." His concerns were backed by Tony Zawachkivsky, a private landlord who lives with his partner in Mountcastle Drive South.
The couple who already have two young sons, are expecting twins in September.
Mr Zawachkivsky, 39, said: "Our main concern is obviously the effect the mast might have on our children.
"We don't know what this will do to people living close by in the next 20 years or so."
However, Dr Alison McCallum, director of public health for NHS Lothian, said: "The current balance of evidence indicates that there is no general risk to the health of people living near base stations.
Omega is a general risk to the health of people living near base stations. See under: http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html
"We are very aware of the concerns people may have about these masts and we continue to monitor ongoing research into this topic to assess any potential implications for the health of the people of Lothian."
Mr Zawachkivsky said he feared the planning application would get the go-ahead despite the strength of the campaign to oppose it.
"I very much doubt it will be refused because the mast is lower than 15 metres. But we thought there was no harm in showing the strength of feeling.
"Perhaps it might make the mobile phone company think twice about it."
The campaigners' hopes of success have been boosted by a narrow victory won recently by protesters in Livingston over a similarly controversial phone mast.
Campaigners in the Dedridge community were ecstatic after local councillors voted by five votes to four to reject plans for a 45-feet tall Vodafone mast at a Territorial Army centre and close to a secondary school.
With the Duddingston group's letters of objection now formally lodged, the decision rests with the council's planning chiefs. A spokesman for T-Mobile UK said: "The planning application is the due process for determination of the proposal and the council will decide the outcome."
Starmail - 16. Jul, 12:25
Protesters win row over 50ft phone mast
Evening Times, Scotland
PEOPLE power has persuaded a businessman to throw out plans to house a 50ft phone mast near family homes. Mobile phone giants T-Mobile wanted a coach firm in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, to put the huge tower on its land. But neighbours of Southern Coaches in Lochlibo Road said the mast would be a monstrosity and gathered hundreds of signatures opposing the plan. Company director Robert Wallace's firm was expected to earn a four-figure sum each year the mast was sited on his land. But after the huge public campaign he decided to refuse the lucrative deal. Mr Wallace said: "We initially thought we would be providing a service to the community by offering land for a phone mast but once they started objecting, we decided not to go ahead with it. "It was entirely down to the public's campaigning." His decision has delighted members of the Lochlibo Action Group Against Phone Masts. They were furious the company, which has been in Barrhead for generations, was in talks with the telecommunications firm. The group distributed leaflets to around 350 homes and collected more than 250 signatures against the mast plan. Tony Gillespie, a member of the action group, said: "The council was expected to approve this, so the only way to tackle this was to ask the owner to change his mind." The 43-year-old shipyard worker added: "We are delighted he's chosen not to go ahead with it." Councillor Danny Devlin added: "I'd like to thank Mr Wallace for listening to the voice of the community." Meanwhile, campaigners in Dennistoun in Glasgow's east end are threatening legal action after T-Mobile was granted permission to site a base station at WASPS, a charitable trust, at 77 Hanson Street. T-Mobile's agents Stappard House are being criticised by action group Dennistoun Residents Against Masts for failing to consult neighbours of WASPS, the largest visual arts organisation in Scotland, and artists who rent space. The group claims many local people were not informed of the application until after permission was granted.
PEOPLE power has persuaded a businessman to throw out plans to house a 50ft phone mast near family homes. Mobile phone giants T-Mobile wanted a coach firm in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, to put the huge tower on its land. But neighbours of Southern Coaches in Lochlibo Road said the mast would be a monstrosity and gathered hundreds of signatures opposing the plan. Company director Robert Wallace's firm was expected to earn a four-figure sum each year the mast was sited on his land. But after the huge public campaign he decided to refuse the lucrative deal. Mr Wallace said: "We initially thought we would be providing a service to the community by offering land for a phone mast but once they started objecting, we decided not to go ahead with it. "It was entirely down to the public's campaigning." His decision has delighted members of the Lochlibo Action Group Against Phone Masts. They were furious the company, which has been in Barrhead for generations, was in talks with the telecommunications firm. The group distributed leaflets to around 350 homes and collected more than 250 signatures against the mast plan. Tony Gillespie, a member of the action group, said: "The council was expected to approve this, so the only way to tackle this was to ask the owner to change his mind." The 43-year-old shipyard worker added: "We are delighted he's chosen not to go ahead with it." Councillor Danny Devlin added: "I'd like to thank Mr Wallace for listening to the voice of the community." Meanwhile, campaigners in Dennistoun in Glasgow's east end are threatening legal action after T-Mobile was granted permission to site a base station at WASPS, a charitable trust, at 77 Hanson Street. T-Mobile's agents Stappard House are being criticised by action group Dennistoun Residents Against Masts for failing to consult neighbours of WASPS, the largest visual arts organisation in Scotland, and artists who rent space. The group claims many local people were not informed of the application until after permission was granted.
Starmail - 16. Jul, 12:21
